Smaller-caliber firearms, often called subcompacts, are lighter and more comfortable carrying concealed. But Polhamus says although the smaller guns are lethal, they are underpowered. And they have another major problem: Smaller guns are not that fun to shoot.

“Because they are so small, they are harder to handle,” Polhamus said. “If you are going to carry a gun, you want to be able to shoot it, take it to the range and stuff. You know, those smaller guns aren’t fun to shoot. It’s a good one for the summer when all you’ve got is a pocket. But in regular clothes, I would suggest moving into the 9 mm.”

Polhamus recommends beginners take a basic pistol class before committing to a concealed carry course.

Polhamus told us about his top concealed carry handguns. All are a 9 mm caliber — a measure of the ammunition size the weapon accommodates. Weight is when unloaded:

Smith & Wesson M&P SHIELD

Capacity: 8 rounds

Weight: 19 ounces

Size: 6.1 inches by 4.6 inches

MSRP: $449

Polhamus says: When we asked for a recommendation on a concealed carry weapon, this is the one Polhamus reached for in the display case. Slim, reliable and has a grip angle that a lot of shooters prefer.

Springfield Armory USA XDS 3.3

Capacity: 8 rounds

Size: 6.3 inches by 4.4 inches

Weight: 23 ounces

MSRP: $599

Polhamus says: A little too small for everyday target practice, but a balanced choice for concealed carry. It has a trigger safety and another safety built into the top of the grip.

STI International 1911 LT 3.0

Capacity: 9 rounds

Weight: 25.5 ounces

Length: 6.5 inches

MSRP: $1,384

Polhamus says: Chosen typically for competition, STI is a higher-end model and costs more because it is custom made: “I have sold quite a few of them, but they are expensive and so it’s a limited crowd that is willing to spend that much on a carry gun.”

Page 2 of 2 - Glock 19

Capacity: 15 rounds

Weight: 23.65 ounces

Size: 7.4 inches by 4.9 inches

MSRP: $499

Polhamus says: Reliable, extremely popular and often a less expensive choice, the Glock is a larger concealed carry weapon. Most law enforcement officers carry Glocks. Some don’t like the grip angle, which forces the user to adjust the wrist to aim properly.